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Improving literacy outcomes for all Tasmanians is a key priority for the Tasmanian Government and we are committed to achieving our aspirational goal of 100% functional literacy in Tasmania. Competence in literacy has a direct impact on individuals’ success in life, health and wellbeing as well as being crucial to economic growth and productivity.
In March 2021, the Tasmanian Government announced the establishment of the Literacy Advisory Panel to oversee the development of a community-wide framework to achieve a Literate Tasmania. The Government acknowledged that improving literacy outcomes for learners is a whole-of-community issue that goes beyond the school gate.
Literacy improvement in Tasmania must be a whole-of-government and community-wide effort.
The purpose of the Literacy Advisory Panel (the Panel) is to develop a community-wide framework to achieve a Literate Tasmania and the aspirational goal of 100% functional literacy.
The Panel will provide the Premier with a community-wide framework that:
i. Includes a review of the current literacy policies, approaches and supports in place in Tasmania in the early years, schools and adult learning environments, including but not limited to consideration of the following policies and initiatives:
ii. Maps existing effort, including the organisations, plans and activity that currently support the establishment of a Literate Tasmania and identifies any gaps. These may include evidence-to-practice gaps, and/or program, cohort or skills-gaps.
iii. Considers the efficacy of existing literacy measures and targets.
iv. Makes specific and targeted recommendations to inform and build upon existing literacy approaches and supports in the early years, schools and adult learning environments.
These recommendations should include a focus on:
The expert Panel will be made up of at least nine members (including one ex-officio) and co-chaired by:
The Panel will be supported by a Secretariat in the Department of Premier Cabinet Policy Branch.
The additional six members will be identified through a publicly advertised Expression of Interest process. These Panel members will be chosen individually to ensure they meet a desired mix of relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. The combined expertise of the Panel members will be drawn from the following areas (noting that members may bring more than one skill set to the task):
The Department of Education Deputy Secretary (Support and Development) will participate as an ex-officio member of the Panel.
All members will be appointed on a voluntary basis until 30 June 2022.
In accepting an invitation to serve on the Panel, members must commit to making their time available to complete the work of the Panel.
Members will:
In addition, the Co-Chairs will:
The Panel receives executive support through a Secretariat provided by the Department of Premier and Cabinet. The Secretariat works under the guidance of the Chairs to support the Panel in formulating its advice.
The Secretariat undertakes the research and analysis to support the work of the Panel and prepares meeting agendas in consultation with the Chairs. The final agenda will be distributed by the Chairs to the Panel at least three working days prior to each meeting.
Meetings will be recorded by the Secretariat and full copies of the minutes and other relevant correspondence will be provided to all members of the Panel no later than seven working days following each meeting. In addition and where required, the Peter Underwood Centre and the Department of Education will support the Panel in undertaking research and analysis of existing policies and practices and identifying key findings and themes.
The Secretariat will provide a quarterly summary of the Panel’s work to the Premier or more frequently when required or requested. The summary will be approved by the Chairs. The Panel will present the framework and a final report to the Premier by the end of June 2022. The Premier will publicly release advice provided by the Panel ensuring all sensitive and confidential information is protected.
The Panel meets at least every two months. Information may also be shared via webinars and papers may be circulated for comment or endorsement out-of-session, if required.
Members will be asked to declare any perceived or actual conflicts of interest when they apply to join the Panel.
Members will be asked to sign a Confidentiality Declaration when they join the Panel.